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Native Skype Client Bringing Video Chat to iPad? [Updated]

Friday June 24, 2011 1:23 pm PDT by Jordan Golson

A new video promoting a theretofore unreleased Skype for iPad app and demonstrates a stylish interface and video chat capabilities. The video, allegedly posted to Skype's YouTube channel and then quickly removed, was captured by Twitter user @trackizmy1 and reposted by RazorianFly.

Skype for iPhone supports voice chat, voice calling, and instant messaging but does not include a native iPad client, instead running in pixel doubled mode.

Update: TUAW confirms details of the new Skype for iPad app in an interview with Skype VP Rick Osterloh. There is no estimate of when the app will be available.

[ 52 comments ]


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0815
100 months ago
Cant wait .... this is what the camera in the iPad2 is for.
Rating: 6 Votes
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NomadicTy
100 months ago
The iPad 2 would make a great "skype station" for my grandma overseas.
Rating: 4 Votes
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macbwizard
100 months ago
I've pretty much given up on Skype. I mean, by now they should surely have an iPad version of their app. Also, have you seen Skype 5? It's horrendous.
Rating: 4 Votes
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MagnusF
100 months ago
Looks great!
Rating: 3 Votes
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blizaine
100 months ago
wow, that looks really nice!
Rating: 3 Votes
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Mad Man
100 months ago
This is what I was waiting for .... I almost gave up hope after MS bought Skype ... I can reach all my friends/family on skype, but only half of them on FaceTime.
Rating: 3 Votes
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Piggie
100 months ago

Facetime biggest problem is that it will be tied to Apple products only. Since it is not cross platform that is it biggest failing and why I do not see it really gaining any real traction.


100% agree and don't know why anyone would be stupid enough not to understand this fundamental problem with Facetime.

Can you imagine if the iPhone could only work with other iPhone users, and you could not ring or text anyone from your iPhone if they had a different brand of mobile?

Yes, that would be stupid and idiotic and doomed to fail, well guess what, that's what Facetime is.

All Apple has to do is change Facetime to it works across platform and problem over, they could possibly rule the market. But will they? No, probably not.

Shame :(
Rating: 3 Votes
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justinfreid
100 months ago
I'd accept this is as excellent evidence that a native Skype client is coming.
Looks like the Skype for iPad development team has a great grasp of Core Animation transitions and iPad GUI conventions. I like it.
Rating: 2 Votes
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KaneBaker
100 months ago

I understand Skype on a computer or phone, but I don't understand the benefit of a Skype client for the iPad where there already exists an integrated video chat solution in the shape of FaceTime.

Unless, that is, it offers the capability to interface with non iOS devices, such as Skype compatible Android phones or Windows PCs.

I'm not surprised they haven't bothered until now, otherwise.


Well that is kind of the whole point. I can 3G call my parents Windows box from my iPhone. I never really make facetime calls because I never know if people are in wifi range.
Rating: 2 Votes
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bacaramac
100 months ago
It would be nice if they would make Facetime open to everyone (Windows, Android, etc). I only use skype for video calling and I think Facetime is much more reliable in my experience. Plus better quality.
Rating: 2 Votes

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